The DGCA has taken action to address concerns over Indian aircraft losing signals while flying over the Middle East. In response to recent reports of Indian aircraft experiencing signal loss while traversing the Middle East, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proactively taken measures to address this issue. Recognizing the potential risks posed by this situation, the DGCA has issued a circular and implemented necessary actions to mitigate the concerns.
In response to the reported incidents of navigation system malfunction and GNSS spoofing, the DGCA has released guidelines for pilots, aircraft operators, and air traffic controllers. These guidelines include conducting safety risk assessments and coordinating with equipment manufacturers to prevent accidents and signal loss. The body emphasizes the importance of contingency measures and the establishment of a threat monitoring and analysis network for aviation to counter such issues faced by civil aircraft.
The organization urged for the formulation of backup plans to address these challenges encountered by commercial airplanes and the creation of a surveillance and evaluation network to monitor potential threats in the aviation sector. In order to prevent accidents and signal disruptions, the DGCA has released precise instructions for pilots, aircraft operators, and air traffic controllers to carry out safety evaluations and collaborate with equipment producers. This advisory was prompted by a series of incidents wherein Indian civilian aircraft had to divert from Iranian airspace due to malfunctions in their navigation systems. Additionally, a flight came close to entering Iranian airspace without authorization as a result of GNSS spoofing.
What is GPS spoofing and jamming?
GPS spoofing and jamming refer to the deliberate manipulation of GPS signals. Spoofing involves transmitting a counterfeit GPS signal that interferes with the authentic signal received by the antenna. This can result in navigation failure for the targeted aircraft. On the other hand, jamming refers to the disruption of GPS signals, which can cause an airplane to navigate blindly. Although jamming is a more frequent occurrence, spoofing poses a greater risk as it can lead to serious accidents. Typically, instances of signal jamming and spoofing in aviation occur when aircraft operate in areas where electronic warfare is deployed for military purposes or during regional disturbances.